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Following on from Sunday’s Rebuilding Day, the notes from the meeting, we wanted to make sure everyone knew about the developments in pastoral ministry at MBC. Here are some bullet points to summarise from John’s update on Sunday:

After 14 years as administrator and Gav’s PA, Kay Harvey is feeling a very strong call into pastoral ministry. She approached the Board with this sense of call back in Jan 2016. Kay graciously held on while we looked for an Operations Manager, but over Christmas decided to take a step of faith and hand her notice in anyway.

We have been well aware of the massive hole left pastorally, by Ellen Wild (our old Associate Minister), and then Ruth, stepping down from coordinating clusters. And now with the Murray’s leaving. These holes have been difficult to deal with and fill.

However – we are now very pleased to be in a position where we can announce a new part time post: Leader of Pastoral Ministries. The job description is now available from Barry – barry@faithinmorden.com.

We didn’t want to shy away from the obvious issue here, which is that it sounds like it’s a done deal… Kay hands her notice in and Kay will get the new job. It is anything but that – and in many ways – Kay’s desire to follow her calling – and in turn, handing in her notice, means that she, more than anyone has the most to lose. Kay has said that she feels so passionately about this calling for her life that if she’s not successful here, she won’t leave the church(!), but look for an outlet elsewhere to follow God’s clear call on her life.

A lot of how this post was shaped was from Kay and Gav’s unique perspective of seeing things from the centre … but we do hope too that others who have a strong desire to build up this faith community will also apply.

Kay has bravely decided to follow God’s call into ministering into people’s lives, in the power of the Holy Spirit and as a church, pastoral ministry is high on the agenda – at a time where we will need to be closer, stronger, more caring, and better equipped to hear God’s voice for our family.

Closing date for applications for this new role is Thursday 30 March. If you are interested in applying please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are applying.

Thanks to all who attended all or part of our Rebuilding Day on Sunday 19 March. The day was important and significant as we look to make the next steps on our journey together as a church.

The day started with corporate worship. Thanks to all the musicians who gave their time, not just on the day but in preparing during the week. Paul Harvey then delivered a message based on the prophetic word God gave to Haggai, before outlining how our vision statement has been tweaked (see below) and introducing three core objectives designed to help see our vision become reality.

Vision

Growing Disciple-Makers

Who Transform Morden and Beyond

Following this Ruth Merriman provided feedback on the recent Foundation sessions giving us an overview of the findings. A copy of Ruth’s slides are available to download.

The three core objectives – Growing a vibrant base, Growing people, Growing together in mission – were introduced by different members of the Leadership Board before they led discussion groups around each of these areas. These discussion groups enabled us to explore how these objectives can work out in practice. It was obvious from the discussions that clarification is required on some of the language and terms being used. Over the coming weeks we will be communicating more information that will hopefully bring more clarity on these objectives.

Following lunch all present were invited to participate in an act of unity. Each person was given a small candle and invited to light their candle from a large candle displayed at the front. This symbolic act signified commitment to the vision and to working out the objectives in practice.

If you would like to contribute any feedback on the core objectives please email the Leadership Board at board@faithinmorden.com.

Meeting with a group of Christians regularly to study the bible, help each other apply its teachings and pray for one another, is a great tool for growing and developing your faith. So if you are not in a Small Group, is God calling you to join one or lead one? We are especially keen to see small groups emerge insupport of the 10:30 gathering. If you are in a Cluster, there is already a Small Group for you, so do make every effort to join in this excellent feature of community life.

If you would like to join a group and/or if you would be interested in finding out more about leading a group please sign up at the Engage Board in the foyer.

Our cluster reflection/kids/youth notes are now all online under Resources – check out the resources section on the top of the page as it also has content such as our worship music playlist and talks from the MBC Centre.

We also now have the small group notes available online in the same resources section. If you haven’t heard, our small groups are now on the second and fourth week of every month (the day depends on which small group you are in!)… If you are not part of a small group, but would love to get to know people better at MBC, then please contact us now and we’ll help you find one. If you are part of a cluster, know people from one of our church expressions, or meet in one of our community groups, then there should be a small group ready for you to be a part of… Get in touch!

Advent: the best way to prepare for Christmas.

There is so much to do in December: presents, cards, trees, food, parties, dressing up, visiting relatives and all on top of often already busy, demanding lives. No wonder we get tired. No wonder we get a little frayed at the edges. That’s where advent comes in and these podcasts. Advent is the time of expectant waiting and preparation for the Celebration of Christ’s birth. Through your smartphone/desktop/tablet you can spend just a few minutes being reminded each day of the reason behind the season – what really matters – and let God trim and prepare your heart for the arrival of the King. The podcasts are stand-alone inspiration or you can use them to kick start a time of prayer wherever you are. After all he came to be “God-With-Us”. Enjoy! And please leave us some feedback. Next year on video?